Uruguay Public Holidays 2025
Uruguay has 7 public holidays and 12 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 6 Jan | Mon | Epiphany | observance |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Carnival | observance |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Shrove Tuesday | observance |
| 14 Apr | Mon | Tourism Week | observance |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 19 Apr | Sat | Landing of the 33 Orientals | observance |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 18 May | Sun | Battle of Las Piedras | observance |
| 19 Jun | Thu | Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas and Never Again Day | observance |
| 18 Jul | Fri | Constitution Day | public |
| 25 Aug | Mon | Independence Day | public |
| 12 Oct | Sun | Columbus Day | observance |
| 2 Nov | Sun | All Souls' Day | observance |
| 24 Dec | Wed | Christmas Eve | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | observance |
About Uruguay's Holidays
Uruguay has a mix of civic, religious, and cultural holidays that shape the year. Big national days honor independence and important historic events, and they are marked by official ceremonies, flags, and sometimes parades or quiet remembrance.
Religious holidays like Christmas and Holy Week are widely observed. Schools and many businesses close so families can gather. Public holidays create many long weekends which Uruguayans use for travel, beach time, and family visits.
Carnival is a major cultural festival lasting weeks with music, colorful parades, and satirical theater called murga. Work stops for celebrations, and local traditions, food, and music make these holidays lively and central to national identity.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Uruguay are warm and social. Families gather at home or the beach to share long meals. Common foods include asado barbecue, empanadas, choripanes and sweets with dulce de leche. People often pass around mate and talk for hours.
Public celebrations are lively and colorful. Streets fill with music, drum groups called candombe, and theatrical murga shows. Small towns hold folkloric dances and parades. Cities host concerts, fireworks and official ceremonies where people salute history and community.
Customs mix European and Afro‑Uruguayan roots. Respect for family and quiet Sunday rhythms stays strong. Many celebrate with both private meals and open street festivals that bring neighbors together.
Travel Tips
Visiting Uruguay (UY) during the holiday season means some banks and government offices will be closed. Many small shops close on major holidays, but tourist areas and supermarkets usually stay open with reduced hours. Restaurants may change schedules too.
Public buses and domestic flights get full early. Ferries and long distance buses are busiest around major holiday dates. Book tickets and seats in advance. Taxis and ride apps are easier in cities but surge pricing or wait times may occur during celebrations.
Beaches and Montevideo get crowded in summer and during Carnival. Reserve hotels early. Carry some cash because smaller vendors may not accept cards. Check local opening hours and travel schedules before you go.